Slipped (Herniated) Disk

What is a slipped
disk?

Your spinal column is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) stacked onto
each other. From top to bottom, the column includes seven bones in the cervical
spine, 12 in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine, followed by the
sacrum and the coccyx at the base. These bones are cushioned by disks. The
disks protect the bones by absorbing the shocks from daily activities like
walking, lifting, and twisting.

Each disk has two parts: a soft, gelatinous inner portion and a tough outer
ring. Injury or weakness can cause the inner portion of the disk to protrude
through the outer ring. This is known as a slipped, herniated, or prolapsed
disk. This causes pain and discomfort. If the slipped disk compresses one of
your spinal nerves, you may also experience numbness and pain along the
affected nerve. In severe instances, you may require surgery to remove or
repair the slipped disk.

What
are the symptoms of a slipped disk?

You can have a slipped disk in any part of your spine, from your neck to
your lower back. The lower back is one of the more common areas for slipped
disks. Your spinal column is an intricate network of nerves and blood vessels.
A slipped disk can place extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it.

The types of pain can vary from person to person. See your doctor if your
pain results in numbness or tingling that affects your ability to control your
muscles.

What
causes slipped disks?

A slipped disk occurs when the outer ring becomes weak or torn and allows
the inner portion to slip out. This can happen with age. Certain motions may
also cause a slipped disk. A disk can slip out of place while you are twisting
or turning to lift an object. Lifting a very large, heavy object can place
great strain on the lower back, resulting in a slipped disk. If you have a very
physically demanding job that requires a lot of lifting, you may be at
increased risk for slipped disks.

Overweight individuals are also at increased risk for a slipped disk because
their disks must support the additional weight. Weak muscles and a sedentary
lifestyle may also contribute to the development of a slipped disk.

As you get older, you are more likely to experience a slipped disk. This is
because your disks begin to lose some of their protective water content as you
age. As a result, they can slip more easily out of place. They are more common
in men than women.

How are slipped disks diagnosed?

Your doctor will first perform a physical exam. They will be looking for the
source of your pain and discomfort. This will involve checking your nerve
function and muscle strength, and whether you feel pain when moving or touching
the affected area. Your doctor also will ask you about your medical history and
your symptoms. They will be interested in when you first felt symptoms and what
activities cause your pain to worsen.

Imaging tests can help your doctor view the bones and muscles of your spine
and identify any damaged areas. Examples of imaging scans include:

Your doctor can combine all these pieces of information to determine what is
causing your pain, weakness, or discomfort.

What are the
complications of a slipped disk?

An untreated, severe slipped disk can lead to permanent nerve damage. In
very rare cases, a slipped disk can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda
equina nerves in your lower back and legs. If this occurs, you may
lose bowel or bladder control.

Another long-term complication is known as saddle anesthesia. In this case,
the slipped disk compresses nerves and causes you to lose sensation in your
inner thighs, the back of your legs, and around your rectum.

While the symptoms of a slipped disk may improve, they also can worsen. If
you cannot perform the activities you once could, it’s time to see your doctor.

How
are slipped disks treated?

Treatments for a slipped disk range from conservative to surgical. The
treatment typically depends on the level of discomfort you’re experiencing and
how far the disk has slipped out of place.

Most people can relieve slipped disk pain using an exercise program that
stretches and strengthens the back and surrounding muscles. A physical
therapist may recommend exercises that can strengthen your back while reducing
your pain.

While it may be tempting to refrain from all physical activity while you’re
experiencing the pain or discomfort of a slipped disk, this can lead to muscle
weakness and joint stiffness. Instead, try to remain as active as possible
through stretching or low-impact activities such as walking.

If your slipped disk pain does not respond to over-the-counter treatments,
your doctor may prescribe stronger medications. These include:

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your symptoms do not subside in six
weeks or if your slipped disk is affecting your muscle function. Your surgeon
may remove the damaged or protruding portion of the disk without removing the
entire disk. This is called a microdiskectomy.

In more severe cases, your doctor may replace the disk with an artificial
one or remove the disk and fuse your vertebrae together. This procedure, along
with a laminectomy and spinal fusion, adds stability to your spinal column.

What is the outlook
for someone with a slipped disk?

Most people with a slipped disk respond well to conservative treatment.
Within six weeks their pain and discomfort will gradually lessen.

Is
it possible to prevent a slipped disk?

It may not be possible to prevent a slipped disk, but you can take steps to
reduce your risk of developing a slipped disk. These steps include:

Use safe lifting techniques: Bend and lift from your
knees, not your waist.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Do not remain seated for long periods; get up and stretch
periodically.

Do exercises to strengthen the muscles in your back,
legs, and abdomen.

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your health care provider. Please consult a health care professional with any health concerns you may have.